Chapter 396: Choosing People

Chapter 396: Choosing People

Madam Shen glanced at Song Rui and smiled.

Did she really have to spell it out every time? Was she that wary of her advances?

"Rong'er's kindness is her own, but I still owe you my thanks," Madam Shen said, then turned to Sang’er.

Sang’er caught the hint and immediately went into the inner room.

Soon after, she returned with a tray.

On the tray lay an exquisite wooden box, clearly holding something of considerable value.

"This is a small token of my gratitude. Please accept it, Master Song," Madam Shen said.

Song Rui glanced at the box, hesitated briefly, then rose to express his gratitude.

"Thank you, Madam Shen!"

Madam Shen, looking pleased, turned to Sang’er.

Sang’er then carried the tray over.

Song Rui took the box but simply set it on the tea table, not bothering to open it right away.

"Madam Shen, did you have something you wanted to discuss with me?" Having received the gift, it was natural to ask.

Madam Shen composed herself.

"Yes," she replied.

Then she glanced at Sang’er and the nanny.

Both promptly bowed to Madam Shen and left the room.

Song Rui frowned, glanced at the door, hesitated briefly, but ultimately remained silent.

Seeing this, Madam Shen smiled again.

"Master Song, don’t worry, Sang’er will guard the door. No one will disturb us."

Song Rui looked at Madam Shen, held back his thoughts, and chose not to press the matter.

"Madam Shen, what exactly did you wish to discuss with me?" he asked again. His tone had lost its earlier gentleness.

Though Madam Shen was just a few years younger than his mother, the distinction between men and women remained. This behavior was highly improper.

Madam Shen, seeing this, remained unperturbed.

"Are you aware of the dealings between Her Majesty the Queen and the master?" she asked Song Rui instead.

Song Rui was momentarily stunned.

"I know a bit," he replied after a pause.

Madam Shen's eyes gleamed.

Then, she went on to explain the agreement reached between the Empress and Minister Shen.

When he heard this, Song Rui's expression remained unchanged.

Clearly, he knew about the part of the agreement that involved him.

Madam Shen was hardly surprised by this.

"What do you think about this matter, Master Song?" Madam Shen quickly asked.

Song Rui looked at Madam Shen.

Right away, he cupped his hands towards the upper left.

"The agreement between the Minister and Her Majesty isn’t for me to discuss."

"I am indebted to the Minister for his kindness and will of course follow his plans."

Madam Shen's gaze shifted, and she inwardly scoffed.

What kindness is he talking about? If he truly wanted to repay kindness, shouldn't he be repaying her daughter?

It was her daughter who had saved him and put in a good word for him with Shen Hongyu.

The only reason he cooperated was because he saw that Shen Hongyu was willing to pave the way for him, guaranteeing him a promising future.

Despite her inner thoughts, Madam Shen kept a smile on her face.

"That’s only right."

"But within the plan, some adjustments can still be made."

Seeing Song Rui looking at her, Madam Shen continued, "My elder brother has four daughters born to concubines. Among them, the daughter of Concubine Wu is the most cherished."

"Although Jia Qi is a concubine-born daughter, in the Jia family, she is practically treated as a legitimate daughter."

"If Master Song were to make Jia Qi your concubine, you would surely gain more favor from Her Majesty and the Jia family in the future."

There are differences even among daughters of concubines.

Given how cherished Jia Qi is, it is unlikely that her brother would give her to Song Rui as a concubine.

However, this matter is not completely set in stone.

As long as Song Rui agrees to make Jia Qi his principal wife in the future, or even replace Shen Lian.

Although Jia Qi is a concubine-born daughter, her mother is from an official’s family. Though not a high-ranking official, her background is respectable among concubines.

Compared to Shen Lian's mother, who was a secret concubine, Jia Qi's background is much stronger.

Song Rui's gaze shifted.

Seeing this, a smile lit up Madam Shen's eyes.

She thought to herself, he is indeed tempted.

Thus, Madam Shen proceeded to tell Song Rui about Jia Qi's situation.

"My brother adores this daughter dearly, almost raising her as a legitimate daughter."

"This girl is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and is not inferior to Rong'er in any way."

Madam Shen's face lit up with a smile once more.

"Previously, folks in the capital referred to her and Rong'er as the two beauties of the capital."

Hearing Madam Shen mention Shen Lian, Song Rui's eyes glimmered again.

Seeing this, a hint of disappointment appeared in Madam Shen's eyes.

"It's a pity, my Rong'er was not fortunate enough to fulfill Master Song's hopes."

As she spoke, Madam Shen turned her gaze to Song Rui.

"However, since the Jia family is about to arrange a marriage with Master Song, perhaps I can still act as a matchmaker for Master Song and find a good match."

Song Rui glanced at Madam Shen, then quickly shifted his gaze.

"Well—" he hesitated.

Madam Shen smiled and said, "Master Song, you needn’t worry about this."

"The matter of the Jia family arranging a marriage with Master Song has been agreed upon by the head of the Jia family. However, the choice of the marriage partner is up to the Jia family."

"As long as—" Madam Shen trailed off.

Song Rui’s gaze snapped up to Madam Shen.

Madam Shen then continued, "As long as Master Song agrees, when the time comes, to make Qi'er a co-wife."

The matter of replacing the main wife was not mentioned for now.

If brought up, Song Rui probably wouldn’t dare agree.

But agreeing to make Qi'er a co-wife was something Song Rui could handle. Moreover, it was not something he had to do immediately, but rather when the time came.

Song Rui’s expression turned hesitant.

"Master Song, I—" he began again.

At this, Madam Shen’s face lit up with a smile.

"Master Song need not worry about the head of the Jia family."

"Giving Qi'er’s hand in marriage to Master Song is entirely the Jia family’s decision," she said with a smile.

At last, Song Rui’s face broke into a smile.

He quickly stood up and gave a respectful bow to Madam Shen.

"Song Rui expresses his gratitude to Madam Shen!"

Madam Shen smiled and motioned for Song Rui to take his seat.

"Master Song is too polite."

After Song Rui sat down and looked at her, she continued, "Once Qi'er is married, Master Song and the Jia family will be as good as family."

A flicker of emotion passed through Song Rui's eyes.

This time, she didn’t rush to distance herself.

Madam Shen felt a renewed sense of satisfaction.

"From now on, I hope Master Song will treat Jia Qi well."

Song Rui quickly clasped his hands in a respectful gesture toward Madam Shen.

"Song Rui will certainly comply!" he said with slight excitement.

Madam Shen nodded subtly, her satisfaction evident.

After exchanging a few more words with Song Rui, she began to escort him out.

Just as she glanced toward the door, she suddenly remembered Sang’er.

A thought crossed her mind, and Madam Shen reconsidered.

She turned to Song Rui, her tone deliberate, and addressed him once more.

"Master Song, how do you find Sang’er from my household?"

Song Rui paused, startled, and glanced at the door.

He detected subtle sounds coming from outside.

Undoubtedly, it was Sang’er.

A look of confusion flickered across his expression as he turned to Madam Shen.

Madam Shen also glanced at the door, then smiled and met his gaze.

"Sang’er, that girl, has served me for many years, and she has a gentle temperament. If Master Song does not mind, after you move into your new residence, I can entrust Sang’er to you," she said.